Lecture on African History and Lost Kingdoms

Introduction

• Africa: Origin of the human race, home to nearly a billion people.
• Diverse cultures and communities.
• Historically neglected and understudied.
• Rich history preserved in art, culture, and legends.
• Presenter: Gus Casley Hayford, an art historian exploring African history and lost kingdoms.

Great Zimbabwe

• Discovered in 1871 by a German geologist.
• Initially thought to be too sophisticated for African builders (discredited now).
• Connections to other pre-colonial Southern African kingdoms.
• Possible African Eldorado built on gold.

The Swahili Coast

• First Stop: Ancient Swahili Coast where Africa meets Indian Ocean.
• Historically significant for trade with China, India, Middle East.
• Recent research highlights its central role in international gold trade.
• Key Text: Periplus of the Erythraean Sea describes trade as early as 1st Century AD.

Search for the Legendary Raphta

• Researcher: Professor Felix Chami believes he found Raphta on the Raiji River.
• Archaeological evidence: 2,000-year-old pottery shards.
• Importance: Proof of ancient trade center thriving with traders from Egypt and India.

Kilwa Kisiwani

• Described by Portuguese in 1498 as wealthy city filled with gold.
• Originally thought to be Arab, later understood to be an African Muslim city.
• Significant Link: Kilwa coins found at Great Zimbabwe, suggesting trade connections.

Inland Route: Mozambique and Manekeni

• Site: Manekeni, a trading outpost connected to Great Zimbabwe and the coast.
• Evidence of gold trade and cultural connections to Great Zimbabwe.

Mapungubwe

• Location: Limpopo Province, South Africa.
• Known for rich archaeological finds, including gold artifacts.
• Suggests high-level socio-political structures.
• Possible precursor to Great Zimbabwe.

Arrival in Great Zimbabwe

• Description: Massive stone walls built without mortar, impressive architecture.
• Once a center of wealth and power, thriving on gold trade.
• Connections and comparisons to global architecture: European cathedrals.
• Social structure: Separation of elite and commoners through intricate passageways.
• Historical Misinterpretations: Originally thought to be built by non-Africans.
• Now recognized as a major African-built city.

Conclusion

• Great Zimbabwe part of a vast trading network extending to Arabia, India, and China.
• The decline of Great Zimbabwe in the 15th century linked to the decline of Kilwa.
• Modern Zimbabwe named after this historic kingdom.
• Emphasis on recovering and acknowledging Africa's rich historical legacy and its global connections.